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Figure skater Maxim Naumov delivered a poignant performance at the World Championships gala, a performance imbued with far deeper meaning than just athletic prowess. Just months after losing both his parents, former world pairs champions Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova, in the tragic January plane crash near Washington, D.C., Naumov took to the ice as a symbol of resilience and grief.
The crash, which claimed 67 lives, including many returning from the U.S. figure skating championships, deeply impacted the skating world. Naumov, who had already returned home before the disaster, has become a focal point for the community’s collective sorrow and support.
He spoke of the outpouring of love he has received, saying, “I don’t think I’ve walked through a hallway and haven’t given a hug since.” He added that the support helps him immensely in coping with his loss.
Naumov’s gala performance was a tribute to his parents. Before beginning, he paused, looked skyward, and silently dedicated his skate to them.
He later revealed the quiet moment: “This is for you guys. You guys are with me.
I love you both.” Choosing Mac Miller’s “That’s on Me” as his music, Naumov connected with the late artist’s posthumous work, finding solace and a relatable voice in Miller’s lyrics.
He explained that the song helped him process his emotions, given the shared experience of loss.
The performance itself was less about technical skill and more about emotional expression. Dressed simply in black trousers and a shimmering top, Naumov skated with raw emotion. He later described finding a sense of peace on the ice: “As soon as I hit the ice…it feels like I tune everything out,” he shared, adding that he feels a connection with his parents while skating.
Introduced as a member of the Skating Club of Boston, the site of the planned World Championships before the venue change, Naumov received a heartfelt standing ovation from a crowd clearly aware of his recent tragedy. The applause resonated with empathy and support, going beyond the typical accolades given to skaters.
Following his performance, a visibly moved Naumov took a moment to acknowledge the audience, his bows extended and full of meaning. As he exited the rink to a minute-long ovation, he made the sign of the cross, a final touch to a performance that transcended sport and touched the hearts of everyone present.
Overwhelmed by the support, he expressed gratitude to the fans, saying, “I just feel so much support, and it’s very overwhelming. I have so much gratitude.”
Naumov’s performance was a testament to the power of sport to heal and a poignant reminder of the human spirit’s ability to find strength in the face of unimaginable loss.